Money matters

English, French unions threaten to withhold gate takings

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Posted: Wednesday November 10, 1999 04:10 PM

LONDON (AP) -- Four days after the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup, the fallout continued Wednesday over the tournament's organizational problems.

The French and English Unions have withheld gate takings from the group and knockout phases until they are satisfied with accounting methods used by tournament host, Wales, according to British media reports.

The World Cup was divided into five groups, with Wales, England, France, Ireland and Scotland Rugby Unions agreeing to split gate receipts evenly.

Gross gate receipts were expected to reach 55 million pounds (US$88 million) -- with profit of 40 million pounds (US$64 million) -- after more than 1.75 million spectators attended the 41 games.

English and French officials said they wouldn't release their receipts, estimated at 30 million pounds (US$48 million), until the Welsh Rugby Union proved it didn't use gate receipts to repay a 3.5 million pound (US$5.6 million) loan to World Cup organizers.

Rugby World Cup organizers have been criticized for everything from scheduling and ticketing to the disciplinary procedure devised to cite players during the tournament.

Rugby World Cup, the body created to organize the tournament, is set to be disbanded before the 2003 World Cup as the International Rugby Board develops an internal section to oversee the running of the quadrennial championship.

 

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